Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, alongside representatives from Cook County Health (CCH) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago, announced expanded efforts to increase access to mental health support across Cook County. Through sustained, multi-year investment from CCH’s Office of Behavioral Health, this initiative aims to improve access to high-quality support through NAMI Chicago’s Helpline and community-based peer-support groups, while also launching a countywide public awareness campaign and robust engagement strategy to reduce stigma and help more residents take the first step toward support. The partnership also includes an expansion of community-based peer support groups in collaboration with trusted community organizations. These groups provide safe spaces for individuals on their recovery journey, offering guidance from facilitators with lived experience rather than a clinical lens. If you or a loved one are looking for local mental health support, call or text 833-NAMI-CHI (626-4244). For more information about NAMI Chicago and how to get involved, visit namichicago.org.